The YWCA of Western Massachusetts has announced the addition of three accomplished professionals to its board of directors, marking a strategic reinforcement of leadership as the organization prepares to launch its landmark $7.5 million “Shifting the Paradigm” campaign. Dawn Fleury, Kiana Lowe, and Mollie Sullivan bring decades of combined experience in finance, communications, and human services—sectors critical to the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and advance peace and justice in Western Massachusetts.
This appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for the YWCA, which serves over 10,000 individuals annually through programs addressing domestic violence, economic empowerment, and youth development. The new board members will play key roles in steering the organization’s fundraising efforts and programmatic initiatives, including the campaign aimed at dismantling systemic barriers for women and girls of color—a demographic that constitutes 71% of those served by YWCA USA’s network.
As the YWCA navigates an evolving policy landscape—including recent Supreme Court decisions on reproductive rights and housing equity—the addition of these leaders signals a commitment to both immediate community impact and long-term systemic change. Their arrival coincides with heightened national attention on gender equity, as evidenced by the YWCA’s recent statements on Louisiana v. Callais and ongoing advocacy for the Equal Rights Amendment.
Financial Expertise Meets Community Advocacy: Dawn Fleury Joins as Treasurer
Dawn Fleury, who will serve as treasurer and on the executive committee, brings over 35 years of financial leadership to the YWCA board. Currently the first senior vice president of Corporate Risk at Country Bank, Fleury oversees comprehensive risk management programs that safeguard millions in assets—a skill set directly applicable to the YWCA’s $7.5 million fundraising initiative.
Her career includes a 21-year tenure with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), where she served as a commissioned senior bank examiner in the Division of Supervision. This experience in regulatory compliance and financial oversight aligns with the YWCA’s need for robust fiscal stewardship during its campaign phase.
“The work that the YWCA is doing to support women and children who are at risk or who are victims is so important in assisting to break the horrible cycle of abuse and violence,” Fleury stated. “I view joining the board as an amazing opportunity to give back to the community.”
Fleury’s appointment reflects the YWCA’s growing emphasis on economic empowerment—a priority highlighted in its 2026 strategic plan, which identifies financial literacy and asset-building as critical tools for breaking cycles of poverty.
Communications Strategist Kiana Lowe Brings Decades of Advocacy Experience
Kiana Lowe, the YWCA’s newest member with nearly a decade of experience in communications and development, joins from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, where she currently serves as Marketing & PR Manager. In this role, she oversees all public relations, social media strategy, and content creation for the Hall of Fame—a position that required mastering narrative-driven storytelling, a skill she will leverage to amplify the YWCA’s mission.
Lowe’s background also includes stints as Communications Coordinator and Senior Fan Engagement Coordinator at ESPN, where she developed strategies to engage diverse audiences—a capability the YWCA will utilize to broaden its outreach during the campaign. Her personal connection to Springfield, where she grew up, adds a local perspective to the board’s discussions.
“Growing up in Springfield, I understand firsthand how important advocacy, support, and opportunity are for women and families,” Lowe said. “The YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace and justice deeply reflects the kind of progress I want to be a part of.”
Lowe’s appointment underscores the YWCA’s commitment to modernizing its communications approach, particularly in reaching younger generations through digital platforms—a strategy increasingly vital as 72% of U.S. Adults now get news from social media, according to Pew Research Center data.
Human Services Veteran Mollie Sullivan Advances YWCA’s Social Justice Mission
Mollie Sullivan, who brings 25 years of experience in human services, joins the board with a deep understanding of the populations the YWCA serves. As Social Services Counselor II at Health Care for the Homeless at Mercy Medical Center, she provides behavioral health outreach, crisis intervention, and counseling to adolescents and adults experiencing homelessness—a demographic that intersects significantly with the YWCA’s domestic violence and housing stability programs.
Sullivan’s work ensures referrals to care and services, bridging gaps that the YWCA’s “Shifting the Paradigm” campaign aims to address at a systemic level. Her expertise in trauma-informed care and social equity aligns with the YWCA’s focus on eliminating disparities for women and girls of color, who face higher rates of homelessness and economic insecurity than their white counterparts, according to the National Health Council.
“Social justice, empowerment, and the leadership of women have been cornerstones of the work I have been so passionate about for my whole professional career,” Sullivan explained. “Working with women, families, and community leaders to end homelessness, social inequities, and disparities starts in our own communities, and the YWCA has been on the front lines of this work for decades.”
Sullivan’s appointment reinforces the YWCA’s dual focus on direct service and policy advocacy—a balance that has become increasingly critical as states like Massachusetts grapple with rising housing costs and homelessness rates, which have climbed by 12% since 2020.
Strategic Alignment: How the New Board Members Support the $7.5M Campaign
The timing of these appointments is deliberate. YWCA of Western Massachusetts CEO Elizabeth Dineen emphasized that the new board members’ diverse backgrounds will be “crucial to the success of this campaign and the overall success of the YWCA” during a press briefing earlier this month.
The $7.5 million “Shifting the Paradigm” campaign, launched in early 2026, represents the organization’s most ambitious fundraising effort to date. It focuses on three pillars:
- Eliminating Racism: Expanding cultural competency training for staff and community partners, with a goal of reaching 5,000 individuals annually by 2028.
- Empowering Women: Doubling access to economic empowerment programs, including microgrants and financial literacy workshops, targeting women of color in Springfield and Pittsfield.
- Promoting Peace and Justice: Advocating for policy changes at the state level, including expanded paid family leave and stronger protections against domestic violence.
Fleury’s financial acumen will be instrumental in ensuring the campaign’s fiscal integrity, while Lowe’s communications expertise will drive donor engagement and media strategy. Sullivan’s frontline experience will ground the board’s discussions in the realities faced by the YWCA’s clients, ensuring programs remain responsive to community needs.
According to Dineen, “These women represent the best of Western Massachusetts—professionals who understand the intersection of systemic change and grassroots action. Their leadership will help us redefine what’s possible for women, girls, and families in our region.”
Broader Implications: What In other words for Gender Equity in Massachusetts
The YWCA’s board expansion comes as Massachusetts continues to debate critical issues affecting women and girls. Recent legislative sessions have seen proposals for:
- Expanded paid family leave (currently at 12 weeks, with discussions about increasing to 20 weeks).
- Stronger protections for domestic violence survivors, including housing assistance and legal aid expansions.
- Final ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, which Massachusetts approved in 2018.
The YWCA’s new board members will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s advocacy efforts on these fronts. Their combined expertise in finance, communications, and direct service creates a unique platform to influence both policy and programmatic outcomes.
For example, Fleury’s regulatory background could inform the YWCA’s positions on financial policies affecting low-income women, while Sullivan’s clinical experience will strengthen the organization’s arguments for expanded mental health services in domestic violence shelters. Lowe’s media savvy will ensure these messages reach both policymakers and the public.
How the Public Can Get Involved
The YWCA of Western Massachusetts invites community members to participate in the “Shifting the Paradigm” campaign through several avenues:
- Donations: Contributions can be made directly through the YWCA’s secure online portal, with options for one-time gifts or recurring pledges.
- Volunteering: Opportunities range from program assistance to board development committees. Interested individuals can sign up via the volunteer portal.
- Advocacy: The YWCA hosts regular community forums on issues like housing equity and workplace discrimination. Upcoming events are listed on their events calendar.
- Education: The organization offers workshops on topics such as financial literacy, self-defense, and digital safety. Registration details are available through their programs page.
For those specifically interested in supporting women of color—who constitute the majority of the YWCA’s client base—the organization has created a dedicated Racial Justice Fund to ensure resources are allocated where they are most needed.
Next Steps: What to Watch in the Coming Months
As the “Shifting the Paradigm” campaign gains momentum, several key developments will shape its trajectory:
- June 15, 2026: Launch of the YWCA’s 21-Day Community Justice Challenge, a digital campaign encouraging voter registration and civic engagement among women.
- July 13, 2026: Deadline for the first round of grant applications under the campaign’s economic empowerment initiative.
- Fall 2026: Anticipated release of the YWCA’s 2025 Annual Report, detailing progress on the campaign’s first-year goals.
- Ongoing: Monthly board meetings (open to the public) where community members can provide input. Meeting details are posted on the YWCA’s Board of Directors page.
The YWCA’s leadership transition also coincides with broader national trends in nonprofit governance. A 2025 study by the Bridgespan Group found that organizations with diverse boards are 2.5 times more likely to achieve their mission-related goals—a statistic that underscores the strategic importance of Fleury, Lowe, and Sullivan’s appointments.
Key Takeaways
- The YWCA of Western Massachusetts has added three new board members with specialized expertise in finance, communications, and human services to support its $7.5 million “Shifting the Paradigm” campaign.
- Dawn Fleury (treasurer) brings 35 years of financial leadership, Kiana Lowe contributes nearly a decade of communications strategy, and Mollie Sullivan offers 25 years of direct service experience with vulnerable populations.
- The campaign focuses on eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace and justice, with a particular emphasis on serving women and girls of color.
- Public involvement opportunities include donations, volunteering, advocacy, and educational programs.
- Upcoming milestones include a 21-day digital justice challenge (June 15–July 13) and the release of the 2025 Annual Report in Fall 2026.
As the YWCA of Western Massachusetts embarks on this transformative phase, the addition of Fleury, Lowe, and Sullivan signals a new era of strategic leadership—one that promises to deepen the organization’s impact on gender equity and racial justice in the region.
For readers interested in supporting these efforts or learning more about the YWCA’s programs, visit their official website. We welcome your thoughts on this important initiative in the comments below, and encourage sharing this story to amplify its reach.
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